Growing up near the Virginia Beach oceanfront, the Neptune Festival was a cherished annual tradition—one my family never missed. Every year, without fail, my father would head home from Boardwalk Weekend with a new festival t-shirt. So when I was asked to design the official shirts starting in 2021, it felt especially meaningful—both professionally and personally.

Over four consecutive years, I created hand-illustrated t-shirt designs for key festival events — Boardwalk Weekend, the 8K Race, the Spring and Fall Wine Festivals, and the Craft Beer Festival. Each design celebrated the vibrant culture and coastal spirit of Virginia Beach. Each illustration was produced across several colorways, and several illustrations were also repurposed for stickers and additional merchandise. The work reflects not only the energy of the Festival itself, but also the sense of community and nostalgia it holds for so many—myself included.